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Leveling
Playing Field
One of most wonderful things about Internet is that it’s helped to level playing field when it comes to competition with bigger companies. With a professional-looking web site, your small business can project image and professionalism of a much larger company. It’s also a good signal to potential customers that you take things seriously.
Breaking Ice into e-Commerce
Taking credit card orders over Internet is quite an investment, especially if you don’t already have a merchant account. There are several e-Commerce solutions that can be custom-built for you that use payment gateways such as PayPal, which only requires a bank account and an email address. Customers can pay you through their credit card or even their checking account, and it’s a great solution if you’re looking to test waters.
The Bottom Line
To be taken seriously, it’s not enough that you simply have a web site, but you must have a professional-looking web site. Many customers now search for information online before making a purchase; your web site may be first chance you have at making a good impression on a potential buyer. If your site looks like it was designed by Uncle Bob, your chance at making that good first impression will be lost.
No matter what size your business is, and even if you're not planning on selling online, a well-made web site is essential for any business. If you don’t have a web site, you’re already losing business to companies that do.
Edward Robirds is a success-driven artist and interactive media developer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since 1996, Edward has been building business relationships with several association and commercial clients around the world. Founder of www.DreamseaArtworks.com, Edward uses his artistic skills, expertise and passion to design and develop web sites, interactive CD-ROMs, and print media for his clients.
